Methods and assumptions used in this impact analysis include the following:
The BLM will manage public lands in a manner that conforms to visual objectives established in this RMP. Resource development proposals in areas with VRM Class I, II, or III visual objectives will be held to those standards.
The Class I objective is to preserve the existing character of the landscape. Projects in Class I areas must not attract attention.
The Class II objective is to maintain the existing character of the landscape. Projects may be seen, but may not attract the attention of the casual observer.
The Class III objective is to partially maintain the existing character of the landscape. Projects may be seen and attract attention, but must not dominate the attention of the casual observer.
The Class IV objective provides for major changes to the landscape. Projects may be seen and be the major focus of attention for the casual observer. Class IV allows for substantial changes to the form, line, color, and texture of the landscape.
The visual inventory classes (I, II, III, IV) are used to represent the relative value of visual resources in the Planning Area; these classes are based on an areas scenic quality, sensitivity level, and distance zone (see Chapter 3 for a list of the criteria used to rate these three factors). Visual inventory Classes I and II are applied to the most visually valuable areas, Class III represents somewhat lesser value areas, and Class IV represents the least valued areas (due to low scenic quality or substantial development). In the Planning Area, visual inventory Class I is generally assigned to WSAs.
Adverse impacts would occur where an area’s visual management is less protective than warranted by its inventory class. For example, adverse impacts would occur if an inventory Class II area (i.e., a highly visually valuable area) was managed as VRM Class IV (i.e., managed to allow for a major modifications of the existing landscape). Conversely, beneficial impacts would occur in areas where the management applied is consistent with or more restrictive than warranted by the inventory class. For example, a beneficial impact would occur where a visual inventory Class III area (i.e., an area of moderate visual value) is managed as VRM Class II (i.e., managed to allow for minimal visual contrast). Generally, any activity that creates new visual contrast is considered adverse; however, contrast that is consistent with the area’s visual inventory class is generally considered to have a smaller adverse impact.
Inconsistency between an areas visual values and its management, particularly where management is less restrictive, can degrade or improve an areas visual values to the point that it shifts visual inventory classes. For example, a visual inventory Class II area managed as VRM Class IV may become altered by human actions to the point that it takes on the lower visual values of a visual inventory Class IV area.